2. Academic Validation
  3. Skatole: A thin red line between its benefits and toxicity

Skatole: A thin red line between its benefits and toxicity

  • Biochimie. 2023 May:208:1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.12.014.
Eliška Zgarbová 1,  Radim Vrzal 2
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
  • 2 Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic. Electronic address: [email protected].
PMID: 36586563 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.12.014
Abstract

Skatole (3-methylindole) is a heterocyclic compound naturally found in the feces of vertebrates and is produced by certain flowers. Skatole has been used in specific products of the perfume industry or as a flavor additive in ice cream. Additionally, skatole is formed by tryptophan pyrolysis of tobacco and has been demonstrated to be a mutagen. Skatole-induced pulmonotoxicity was reliably described in ruminants and rodents, but no studies have been conducted in humans. Initially, we provide basic knowledge and a historical overview of skatole. Then, skatole Bacterial formation in the intestine is described, and the importance of the microbiome during this process is evaluated. Increased skatole concentrations could serve as a marker for intestinal disease development. Therefore, the human molecular targets of skatole that may have significant effects on various processes in the human body are described. Ultimately, we suggest a link between skatole intestinal formation in humans and skatole-induced pulmonotoxicity, which should be explored further in the future.

Keywords

AhR; Dysbiosis; Intestine; Mutagen; Skatole.

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